SEPTEMBER 2024 Copy

MADISON VALLEY SEPTEMBER “HAPPENINGS” → What’s happened in Ennis, the Basecamp of the Madison Valley? → The Brewery Follies and the Virginia City Players gave their last performances of the season, on the 1^st.  → The Bozeman Symphony and the Montana Shakespear in the Park performed in Pony.  →  There was a Brewery 2 Brewery Auto Tour in Virginia City.  → There was a benefit Golf Tournament at the Madison Meadows Golf course. → The Madison County Cattlewomen hosted a dinner/dance fund raiser, Cowbells & Cowboy Boots, at the Jumping Horse Ranch. → Willie’s Distillery hosted live music. → The Madison Valley History Association presented a program on the Shining Mountains Safari Park! → The Jack Creek Preserve hosted a Woman’s Wilderness Weekend. → There was an Evening of Art in Ennis. → Virginia City celebrated Miners Days and a Fall Festival. → The Madison Theatre featured Voices of the Valley Storytelling series and a documentary, The Frontman – Dave Walker. → The outdoor Cowboy Church ended their season.  →  Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect.   →  Shop small; shop local; shop Ennis!

MADISON VALLEY OCTOBER “HAPPENINGS” →  “The Madison” is now in production in the valley.  Permits have been issued and film crews are here.  It IS happening. Check it out at:  https://deadline.com/feature/the-madison-news-taylor-sheridan-1236071619/.  → The Jack Creek Preserve will hold a Fall Wonders Field Day on the 5^th.  More: https://www.jackcreekpreserve.org/events. → Gear up for the Golden Gavel Grinder, Virginia City’s Bike Fest on the 5^th. → And stay for October Fest at the Bale of Hay Saloon in VC on  5^th! → Do NOT miss the annual Hunters Feed from 3-5 PM on the 25^th, with free wild game dishes served all up and down Main Street Ennis.  → The VC Elks Lodge will host a Children’s Halloween Carnival on the 26^th and the Ennis Lions Club will host their annual Halloween Carnival and Bingo on the 31^st.  → And you can still go fishing, floating, hiking, trail riding, golfing, disc golfing, bowling, visit the library, do yoga, go to the gym, take exercise classes, have a facial & a massage, play Pickleball, see a movie, or eat, drink, stroll through Ennis, and go shopping!  Enjoy Willie’s Distillery, Burnt Tree Brewery, and variety of saloons.  Extend your visit and Just do it all!

FUTURE “HAPPENINGS” → West Yellowstone will host their annual Ski Festival, Nov. 26-30, https://www.skirunbikemt.com/yellowstone-ski-festival/home. → The HUGE annual Holiday Bazaar at the Ennis School on Nov. 25^th. → The annual Ennis Christmas Stroll will be held on Dec. 6th.

MONTANA NEWS → There are concerns over the proposed SUSTAINS Act, which is not sustainable for our western way of life. Already the DEQ is attempting to impose new water quality standards. https://www.northernag.net/op-ed-sustains-act-is-not-sustainable-for-our-western-way-of-life/. → Livestock and feed have been lost to the numerous fires that have burned over 354,000 acres burned across Montana this year. → The one-year extension of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, referred to as the Farm Bill, expired on September 30^th.  America has lost 141,000 farms in the last 5 years due to low commodity prices, rising supply costs, inflation and outdated farm policy provisions.  It is a crucial safety net for U.S. agriculture producers and those programs could be thrown into chaos beginning at the end of the year. → Montana ranks second in the US where drivers are most likely to have a collision with wildlife, according to the MT DOT. → Montana now ranks 35^th in the US for cost of living. https://www.sofi.com/cost-of-living-in-Montana/#:  However, Montana has the 3^rd most expensive housing as a ratio to median income in the nation, behind only California and New York! Yet they keep coming!  Montana’s population has more than doubled over the last 40 years.

FISHING REPORT →  October might just be the capstone month in the Madison Valley.  The pace of life on Main Street slows and you can even find a parking spot.  Things are changing.  Frequent snow dusting the high peaks that will not see bare ground till July. Camo and blaze orange become the official uniform of early morning breakfast eaters at the Pharmacy.  Leaves are falling and all are yellow to match the native grass.  Less drift boats at the ramps and fishermen in town as folks transition to hunting, college football, holidays and school sports.  It is the capstone of a great season and should not be missed.

There is a week early in the month where the river giants come out to play.  Usually in the first two weeks.  We see those fish that have been hiding deep in the lake all summer run up the river to spawn.  When this week happens, we will see fish over the two foot mark, daily.  You can tell these spawning brown trout.  They are colored up and slimy.  During the spawning run, the fish produce more slime on their skin to protect them during the spawning run and clearing gravel to make the nest.  When you touch one, it is obvious right from the start.  You get slimed.  When this week will be is anyone’s guess.  Cool temps and a little bump in flows usually trigger it.  Stay on the look out and be ready with the streamer rod.

Streamers are the name of the game on the Madison River this month.  Break out the 7-wt and let’s go have some fun.   I like small streamers.  I feel I get more bites that way.  I know the popular thing in all fishing magazines and even some self-described streamer Jesus has made a living promoting bigger is better.  Do not believe the hype.  A one-hook streamer in size 6-2 will out fish the big leprechaun monstrous streamers made famous.  The goal of a streamer is twofold.  First to mimic a minnow or sculpin that are food for fish.  How many sculpins have you seen that are 6-8 inches long?  NONE!    Second is to provoke a strike by aggravating the fish.  If you can cast it better and more accurately and it stays in the zone, the more opportunity you have to get in that fish’s face.  Bigger is not always better.

If you want to nymph fish, stick with it and you will stay bent. BWO mayflies are in the soup and the standard rubber leg and worm will always catch fish.  Remember the whitefish are also spawning this time of year, so a small yellow egg pattern might just make your day.  Tons of good fishing to be had still in October.  The river traffic is way down and the people you meet now on the river are there for the same reason you are.  It’s a harmonious thing.  Stop by the store for great end-of- summer deals on gear, clothing and all foam flies.  Stock up and save big.  Winter is coming so get out and enjoy it this month.  God made October for the locals.  I am sure.  Good Fishing and God Bless, John Way.  http://www.thetackleshop.com)  Ennis, Montana, the CULTURAL EPICENTER OF TROUT.  (406) 682-4263, or cell: (406) 370-5206.

If people concentrated on the REALLY important things in life,  there would be a shortage of fishing poles!

Check out other fishing reports at:             And check out:  https://mtflyfishmag.com/

• Madison River Fishing Company at: https://www.mrfc.com/
• Dan Delekta at: https://www.beartoothflyfishing.com/
• The Madison Valley Ranch at: https://www.madisonvalleyranch.com/
• Joe Dilschneider’s Montana Trout Stalkers at http://www.montanatrout.com/
• Yellowstone Fly Fishing at http://www.yellowstoneflyfishing.com/madisonreport.htm.

WEATHER → September was delightful! Great weather continued for all the fun outdoors stuff with cooler nights. The skies even cleared up and our beautiful mountains came back into their sharp, dramatic beauty. We even saw some snowcapped peaks! The daytime high in September was 91° and  the daytime low was 53°.  The nighttime high was 54°,  with a nighttime low of  31°.  Gardening is coming to a close.

A flotilla of rafts of the Lower Madison →

REAL ESTATE TIPS →  FALL CHECKLIST FOR HOMEOWNERS.  Before the temperature drops and winter arrives, it’s important to prepare your home. The right preparation can prevent damage from cold and snow and keep your family safe and warm until the spring.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

1. Inspect your roof
2. Improve your attic insulation
3. Repair siding where needed
4. Replace old drafty windows
5. Seal air gaps
6. Close off outdoor faucets
7. Clear your gutters
8. Clean your windows
9. Clean and store window screens
10. Change direction of your ceiling fan
11. Change furnace filters
12. Adjust thermostat
13. Inspect and clean chimney
14. Winterize gas grill
15. Cut grass short
16. Fertilize in the Fall
17. Rake leaves to protect grass
18. Drain and store garden hoses
19. Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
20. Make up a Winter Driving Kit

HOME FOR YOUR SOUL. FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE MONTH → FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE MONTH → HISTORIC VIRGINIA CITY PROPERTY → This rare opportunity to own a piece of Montana’s history is not to be missed. Whether you are seeking a full-time residence, a vacation retreat, or an historical investment, this charming vintage home in Virginia City promises to enchant and inspire. This exquisitely renovated home sits on 2 city lots, in the Historic Landmark District. This circa 1890’s Victorian-era home is 1,391 SF, with 2 BR/2BA, living room with propane stove & large stained-glass window, large dining room, country kitchen w/pantry & root cellar, sunroom with wood stove & planter, bedroom & full bath downstairs, and bedroom & full bath upstairs, + attic storage & more. The home has undergone a complete overhaul to ensure modern comfort while preserving its vintage charm. Relax on the elegant, old-fashioned front porch. There are also 2 outbuildings (a vintage log miners cabin & a small studio). 115 West Cover St, Virginia City, MT 59755, $498,000. MLS # 393502. My Active Listings – Toni Bowen (erarealestate.com),  Home – Toni Bowen (erarealestate.com)

REAL ESTATE NEWS → WASHINGTON  (September 26, 2024) – Pending home sales in August rose 0.6%, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Midwest, South and West posted monthly gains in transactions, while the Northeast recorded a loss. Year-over-year, the West registered growth, but the Northeast, Midwest and South declined. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)* – a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings – increased to 70.6 in August. Year over year, pending transactions were down 3.0%. An index of 100 is equal to the level of contract activity in 2001.  “A slight upward turn reflects a modest improvement in housing affordability, primarily because mortgage rates descended to 6.5% in August,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “However, contract signings remain near cyclical lows even as home prices keep marching to new record highs.”

Pending Home Sales Regional Breakdown – The Northeast PHSI diminished 4.6% from last month to 61.6, a drop of 2.2% from August 2023. The Midwest index intensified 3.2% to 70.0 in August, down 3.6% from one year ago.  The South PHSI grew 0.1% to 83.6 in August, receding 5.3% from the prior year. The West index increased 3.2% in August to 58.0, up 2.7% from August 2023.

“In terms of home sales and prices, the New England region has performed relatively better than other regions in recent months,” Yun said. “Contract signings rose in both the most affordable and most expensive regions – the Midwest and West, respectively – because mortgage rates have fallen nationally. Housing affordability will continue to see notable improvements.” “The Federal Reserve does not directly control mortgage rates, but the anticipation of more short-term interest rate cuts has pushed long-term mortgage rates down to near 6% in late September,” added Yun. “On a typical $300,000 mortgage, that translates to approximately $300 per month in mortgage payment savings compared to a few months ago.”

The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.  The term Realtor® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. 

LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET STATISTICS:  Listings in all categories are down. Pendings of Homes and Land are slightly up, but the Close Price to List Price ratio is down. The lull has stalled, as buyers ponder the markets, (stock & real estate), interest rates, and the election. There is still time for buying opportunities!  Big Sky Country Multiple Listing statistics for the Madison Valley area (including Ennis, Cameron, McAllister, Norris, Virginia City, Nevada City, Harrison, Pony), for the month of September were as follows:   

• HOMES: 78↓ homes listed ($320,000 to $10,000,000); 10↑ pending sales ($359,000 to $7,495,000); and 57 homes have sold in 2024 ($282,000 to $2,255,000), totaling $40,738,000, at 7%↓ of list price.
• MULTI-FAMILY: 4↓ listings ($850,000 to $2,700,000); 0 pending sales; 1 sold in 2024 ($830,000) at 6% of list price.
• LAND: 119↓ vacant lots listed ($7,102 to $1,089,000); 12↑ pending sales ($99,000 to $699,000); and 54 lots have sold in 2024 ($5,000 to $1,250,000), totaling $14,255,400 at 6% ↓ of list price.
• COMMERCIAL: 10↓ commercial properties listed ($215,000 to $2,995,000); 2 pending sales ($365,000 – $425,000); and 1 commercial property has sold in 2024 ($553,300), at 6% of list price.
• RANCHES: 1↓ ranch listed ($7,950,000); 0↓ pending sales, and 1 ranch has sold in 2024 ($1,350,000) at 6% of list price.

“The best investment on Earth is Earth.” Louis J. Glickman, real estate mogul/philanthropist

Also, according to Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan, in their hit song, “Buy Dirt!” 

MONTANA TRIVIA…. Did you know that….The Revenue Flats is one of the premiere rock climbing destinations in Southwestern Montana? Located right here, in the north end of the Madison Valley,  between the communities of McAllister and Norris, Revenue Flats is approximately 36 miles southwest of Bozeman and 18 miles north of Ennis.  Geographic Coordinates are  54429, -111.77031.  Directions:  From intersection of US Highway 287 and State Highway 84  in Norris, travel 3 miles west down Sterling Road. Then, take a left (south) and continue down the dirt road for approximately 2 miles to public land.

The Revenue Flats is run by the Bureau of Land Management and is in close proximity to the Tobacco Root Mountains, which offers visitors stunning views of SW Montana. This recreation area provides opportunities for many popular outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, rock hounding, hiking, ATV riding, shooting, trail riding, exploring and photography. There is a variety of different wildlife that you may get the opportunity to see during your visit. Elk, deer, and antelope are commonly seen and can easily be observed with a handy pair of binoculars.

The Revenue Flats had a history of mining gold ore that began in the late 1800s.  The discovery of gold ore led to the opening of many mines in the area, including those in Revenue, Red Bluff, and Sterling.  The first equipment used was basic, such as picks and shovels.  In the 1900s, machinery was used, including miner’s jack hammers.  Shafts were sunk and galis frames were erected, some of which still remain on the surface.  Gold ore was brought to the surface to be shipped to mills. Early stagecoaches crossed the Revenue Flats.  Red Bluff was a nearby mining area that became the shopping center for the people at the Revenue Mines. Some of the houses and the old hotel in Red Bluff are now used by families at Montana State College.

The Revenue Mine North Shaft is historically connected to the Norris-Upper Hot Springs Mining District. This mining district is now part of the Beaverhead National Forest. Currently, the Revenue Mine North Shaft is closed with no known plans for reopening. The host rock in this area is quartz monzonite, which formed during the Upper Cretaceous epoch approximately 100.50 to 66.00 million years ago. The surrounding area is characterized by the geomorphology of the Northern Rocky Mountains physiographic province, which belongs to the broader Rocky Mountain System.

A wise Old Timer from the area once told me,  

“Don’t try to change the Madison Valley… let the Valley change you!”